Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

One of the observations made by those in the industry in respect of microgeneration is that the price being paid for the electricity being sold into the national grid is too low, in relative terms, when compared to the price that obtains in the UK and Northern Ireland. If we are to get a return on the investment we are giving to primary producers, we need to increase the price paid for microgeneration, for biomass energy production and so on.

I understand the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is reviewing this whole issue. Investment in the sector has stalled because of the price differential. Will the Minister of State use his good offices to convey the concerns of the House to the Minister, Deputy Ryan on this specific issue, with a view to at least meeting the price that is being paid for microgeneration into the national grid?

See this speech in context